I will explain the history of mandalas, their significance, and how they can be used.
If you want to learn how to make them, you can check out our other coloring pages.
So, what is a mandala?
The word mandala comes from the Sanskrit language and means “circle.” Eastern mandala art can be traced back to the 4th century BC. Although it is debatable, this art form dates back as far as civilization itself, as circular art has been found carved on cave walls and ancient stones.
Technically, a mandala can be made in any shape, but the most common is a circle. Perhaps this is because it is the most natural shape found in the universe. The circle is complete, like the cycles of nature. It is both a beginning and an end.
In Tibet, creating mandalas and focusing on them is considered a form of mental care. The designs are symbolic expressions of the universe itself. Buddhist monks sit for hours or days using colored sand to create the most intricate patterns. After all this effort, I find it even more astonishing that the artist then sweeps away what they have created.
Psychiatrist Carl Jung said, “A mandala is a psychological expression of the integrity of the self.” He regularly used mandalas because he found that they sometimes yielded better results than just talking with his patients. That’s what I love about mandalas.
Drawing a mandala is a form of meditation in itself. Anything that requires light concentration and repetitive movements is a great way to calm your mind. Once the design is complete, they can continue to be wonderful meditation tools, especially for those who struggle to sit still without visualization or something to do.
That’s it. Thank you for reading.
Tom Backet
